Frequently Asked Questions - General

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Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving where the diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) to breathe underwater.

Yes. Basic swimming ability and comfort in the water are required for scuba diving certification courses. You do not need to be an advanced swimmer, but you should be comfortable floating, treading water, and swimming short distances independently.

Scuba diving is a very safe activity when proper training, equipment, and safety procedures are followed. Our courses are designed to help you build confidence, awareness, and safe diving habits from the very beginning.

Children as young as 10 years old can begin scuba training through junior certification programs. Minimum age requirements vary depending on the course level.

Yes. Many divers wear contact lenses while diving, and prescription dive masks are also available.

That’s completely normal, especially for new divers. We focus on creating a relaxed, supportive learning environment where you can learn at your own pace and build confidence step by step.

Most Open Water certification courses can be completed over a few days, depending on scheduling and individual pace. Flexible scheduling options are available.

Open Water Divers are certified to dive up to 60 feet (18 meters). Advanced Open Water Divers may dive up to 100 feet (30 meters).

Absolutely. We recommend a refresher or Reactivate session to help you regain comfort, review skills, and rebuild confidence before returning to diving.

Yes. Many divers wear contact lenses while diving, and prescription dive masks are also available.

Course pricing typically includes eLearning, instructor training, pool sessions, ocean dives, and use of scuba equipment unless otherwise specified.

No. We provide all essential scuba equipment for training courses. Many divers eventually choose to purchase personal gear such as masks, fins, and wetsuits for comfort and fit.

eLearning length depends on the course. Most courses range from approximately 2–12 hours of self-paced online learning.

This depends on the certification or specialty course. Each course page includes a detailed breakdown of required pool sessions and training dives.

No problem. We want you to feel comfortable and confident, and additional practice sessions can be arranged if needed.

Yes. We offer private and semi-private instruction options for students looking for a more personalized learning experience.

You will receive an internationally recognized PADI certification upon successful completion of your course.

Yes. PADI certifications are recognized and accepted around the world.

Safety always comes first. If conditions are unsafe, training dives may be rescheduled to ensure the best possible experience.

San Diego water temperatures typically range from the upper 50s°F (14 - 15°C) in winter to the upper 60s°F (19 - 21°C)  in summer and early fall. To ensure comfort and warmth, all divers will wear wetsuits with a minimum thickness of 7 mm. 

San Diego diving offers incredible marine life encounters including garibaldis, sea lions, horn sharks, bat rays, kelp bass, nudibranchs, octopus, lobsters, and seasonal sightings of larger pelagic species.

Catalina trips may be offered separately depending on scheduling and course options.

Popular local dive sites include La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, Point Loma kelp forests, Mission Point Park, Wreck Alley, and the Yukon and Ruby E wrecks.

Absolutely. San Diego offers excellent training environments for beginners, including protected shore dive sites and calm pool training.

Yes. The HMCS Yukon is one of San Diego’s most popular wreck dives and is frequently visited during advanced and specialty courses, as well as on guided boat dive tours. 

Yes! In addition to our San Diego diving activities, we regularly organize and participate in dive trips to destinations such as Catalina Island, Ensenada, the Yucatán Peninsula, and Cabo. Whether you're looking for a local getaway or an exciting dive travel adventure, we'd be happy to help you find the right trip. Contact us for information on upcoming travel opportunities and availability.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a positive attitude. We’ll provide the scuba equipment needed for training unless otherwise noted.

Meeting locations vary depending on the course and dive site. Detailed instructions will be provided before your training begins.

Yes. All students complete a standard diver medical questionnaire prior to participating in scuba training.

Yes, but you must wait before flying after diving. The recommended minimum surface interval is generally 18–24 hours after your last dive.

Seasickness can happen, especially on boat dives. Motion sickness medication and hydration can help, and many divers find symptoms improve once they enter the water.

Yes, rental equipment is included for most training dives unless otherwise specified in the course description.

For guided dive tours, rental equipment is available as an add-on. Full equipment rental packages are $49, and wetsuit rental packages are $25. Please let us know in advance if you require rental gear so we can ensure the proper equipment is reserved for you.

Adventure Dives are introductory experiences completed as part of the Advanced Open Water course and typically include one training dive per topic. Specialty Courses provide more in-depth training and multiple dives focused on a specific type of diving.

Popular first specialties include Deep Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Night Diver, and Wreck Diver. The best specialty depends on your interests and diving goals.

The Rescue Diver course focuses on prevention, awareness, problem-solving, and emergency response skills while building confidence and overall diving ability.

You need at least 40 logged dives to begin the Divemaster course and 60 logged dives to receive certification.

Yes. An up-to-date Emergency First Response (EFR) certification within the past 24 months is required for both Rescue Diver and Divemaster certification.

Yes. Many Adventure Dives completed during Advanced Open Water can count as the first dive toward the corresponding Specialty certification.

We focus on creating a fun, supportive, professional, and highly personalized learning experience with small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and high-quality instruction.

Yes. Small groups allow for more personalized instruction, added comfort, and a better overall learning experience.

Absolutely. We structure our courses to be flexible and supportive so you can learn comfortably and confidently at your own pace.

Yes. Our instructors are experienced professionals passionate about diving, safety, conservation, and helping students become confident divers.

Yes. Private and semi-private training options are available for students looking for a more personalized experience.